Today we’d like to introduce you to Hassen Aymo.
Hi Hassen , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Master Hassen Abdulkadir Aymo, founder and head instructor of Master Hassen Martial Arts Academy in Fridley, Minnesota. I was born and raised in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, where my journey in martial arts began at a young age. What started as a childhood passion for Taekwondo quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to discipline, self-improvement, and community service.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve dedicated myself to the martial arts world — earning a 7th Dan in ITF Taekwondo, 6th Dan in WTF Taekwondo, and 4th Dan in Karate. I also earned my BA from Haramaya University, one of Ethiopia’s respected institutions. Along the way, I founded Oromia Star Taekwondo Club and served in several national leadership positions, including President of Dire Dawa United Taekwondo and Vice President of the Ethiopian United Taekwondo Association.
When I moved to the United States, my mission was to share the same values that shaped my life — discipline, respect, confidence, and community spirit — with the next generation. That vision led to the establishment of Master Hassen Martial Arts Academy, where students of all ages and backgrounds train not only to build physical strength but also to develop strong character and leadership skills.
In just one year, our academy achieved remarkable success — winning 34 medals in competitions and becoming a strong community hub for youth empowerment and cultural pride. My journey has always been about more than martial arts; it’s about helping people discover their inner strength, stay focused, and believe in themselves — both on and off the mat.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road — but every challenge has been a lesson that shaped who I am today. Coming from Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and building a career in a new country came with many obstacles. When I first arrived in the United States, I had to start everything from zero — no connections, no established name, and no academy yet. It took a lot of patience, hard work, and faith to rebuild from the ground up.
There were moments of financial struggle, language and cultural barriers, and times when I almost gave up. But I kept reminding myself of my purpose — to use martial arts as a tool to build confidence, discipline, and community among young people. That mission kept me moving forward.
Starting Master Hassen Martial Arts Academy was another big challenge — finding the right space, building trust with parents and students, and introducing my vision to a new community. But through consistency, respect, and teamwork, the academy grew into a strong family.
Today, when I see my students developing not only as athletes but as responsible, confident young people, I know every struggle was worth it. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was meaningful — and it taught me that true success comes through perseverance, humility, and faith in your mission.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Master Hassen Martial Arts Academy, our mission is to build strong bodies, focused minds, and confident hearts. We are more than just a martial arts school — we are a community dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults discover their full potential through discipline, respect, and self-belief.
We specialize in ITF and WTF Taekwondo, self-defense, fitness conditioning, and leadership development. What sets us apart is our holistic approach — we don’t just train for medals; we train for character, confidence, and life skills. Every student learns the importance of respect, humility, and perseverance both on and off the mat.
Our programs are designed for all ages and skill levels — from beginners taking their first step to advanced students preparing for national competitions. We also provide special programs for families, women’s self-defense, and youth leadership, making the academy a welcoming space for everyone.
What I’m most proud of is how quickly our academy has become a positive force in the community. In just one year, our students earned 34 medals — 15 Gold, 11 Silver, and 8 Bronze — but the true victory is seeing how their confidence and focus have grown. We’ve also created a family-like environment where parents, students, and instructors work together to support one another.
At Master Hassen Martial Arts Academy, we stand for discipline, unity, and empowerment. Our brand represents not just martial arts , but a lifestyle of respect, growth, and community strength. We welcome everyone to join our journey and experience the difference that true martial arts training can make in life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always active, disciplined, and deeply curious about how people develop strength — both physically and mentally. I had a strong sense of responsibility from a young age and enjoyed helping others, especially those younger than me. I was passionate about martial arts, leadership, and community service, which naturally shaped my personality into someone focused, respectful, and driven by purpose. I loved learning from elders, exploring culture, and practicing self-improvement every day. Those early experiences built the foundation for who I am today a teacher, mentor, and community leader who believes in empowering others through discipline, respect, and confidence.
Pricing:
- Yes, here is some pricing information for our programs: 🥋 Trial Class: Free introductory session for all new students 💪 Regular Membership: $120/month (includes 2–3 classes per week) 👨👩👧 Family Discount: 10% off for each additional family member 🎓 After-School Martial Arts Program: $150/month (includes transportation and training) 🏅 Private Lessons: $50 per session (by appointment only) 🎁 Special Offers: Seasonal promotions and scholarships available for outstanding students
Contact Info:
- Website: Masterhassen.org
- Facebook: Maste hassen .org
